By Gill Clark

The striker was stretchered from the field during England's 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland on May 29, and will now miss most of the club's pre-season preparations

Liverpool are hopeful that striker Daniel Sturridge will be fit in time for the 2013-14 season after his ankle injury was reviewed by a specialist.

The striker was stretchered from the field during England's 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland at Wembley last month following a challenge with Glenn Whelan and immediately withdrew from the trip to Brazil scheduled four days later.

"Liverpool hope to have striker Daniel Sturridge available for the beginning of the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League campaign," a statement on the club's official website read.

"Sturridge's ankle injury has been reviewed by a specialist. The 23-year-old picked up the problem while representing England against the Republic of Ireland last Wednesday and was withdrawn during the first half at Wembley.

"He suffered a high ankle sprain and Liverpool's medical staff had to allow the swelling to reduce before a final assessment was made."